Nursing Elites

1. Mental disorders are almost always _______, meaning they are influenced by multiple genes.

• A. environmental
• B. chemical circuits
• C. polygenic
• D. probabilistic

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'polygenic.' Mental disorders are polygenic, which means they are influenced by multiple genes. This term specifically refers to conditions or traits that are caused by more than one gene. Choice A, 'environmental,' is incorrect as it doesn't directly refer to the genetic influence on mental disorders. Choice B, 'chemical circuits,' is incorrect as it is too specific and not a common term used to describe the genetic basis of mental disorders. Choice D, 'probabilistic,' is incorrect as it relates more to the likelihood or chance of something happening rather than the genetic influence on mental disorders.

2. What is extinction, and how might it be used in treating a disorder?

• A. Extinction strengthens the conditioned response by continuously pairing the conditioned stimulus with the unconditioned stimulus.
• B. Extinction is the process of eliminating a conditioned response by repeatedly presenting the conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus.
• C. Extinction is ineffective and is not used in treating disorders.
• D. Extinction is the process of intensifying the conditioned response by pairing the conditioned stimulus with a stronger unconditioned stimulus.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Extinction is the process of eliminating a conditioned response by repeatedly presenting the conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus. This process helps in reducing or eliminating undesired behaviors or responses. Choice A is incorrect because extinction weakens the conditioned response by breaking the association between the conditioned stimulus and the unconditioned stimulus. Choice C is incorrect as extinction is a widely used technique in behavioral therapies for treating disorders. Choice D is incorrect as extinction aims to reduce the conditioned response, not intensify it.

3. How is pruning best defined?

• A. The process of eliminating unused synapses
• B. The process of synapse development
• C. The connection between neurons
• D. Fatty sheath that wraps around neurons and enables them to transmit information more rapidly

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pruning is the process of eliminating unused synapses in the brain. This process helps the brain to become more efficient by strengthening important connections and eliminating unnecessary ones. Choice B is incorrect because pruning is about eliminating synapses, not developing them. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to the general concept of connections between neurons, not specifically about pruning. Choice D is incorrect as it describes the myelin sheath, which is responsible for rapid transmission of information along neurons, not pruning.

4. Why is it difficult to determine the nature of the relationship between divorce and the psychological functioning of family members?

• A. Cause and effect cannot be determined as preexisting behavioral abnormalities in either the parents or the children may make divorce more likely.
• B. The findings have been too inconsistent to draw any conclusions.
• C. While the effects of divorce are negative on children, the effects on the spouses are generally positive.
• D. Due to modern acceptance of divorce, there has been an ongoing decrease in the negative effects of divorce.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it highlights a crucial factor that makes it challenging to establish a clear cause and effect relationship between divorce and the psychological functioning of family members. Preexisting behavioral abnormalities in either the parents or the children may influence both the likelihood of divorce and the psychological functioning of family members. Choice B is incorrect as it generalizes the findings without specifying the key issue of preexisting conditions. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies the effects of divorce on family members. Choice D is incorrect as it presents a broad statement without addressing the complexities involved in determining the effects of divorce.

5. ______________ are conditions that increase the probability of a disorder but are neither necessary nor sufficient to cause it.

• A. Risk factors
• B. Contributory causes
• C. Sufficient causes
• D. Protective factors

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct term for conditions that increase the probability of a disorder but are neither necessary nor sufficient to cause it is 'Contributory causes.' Risk factors (Choice A) are conditions that increase the likelihood of a negative outcome but do not imply causation. Sufficient causes (Choice C) are conditions that guarantee the occurrence of a disorder by themselves. Protective factors (Choice D) decrease the likelihood of a disorder rather than increasing it.

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